Summary

2013 marked another year of sectarian violence, political instability, and the flagrant violation of human rights. Islamist militants attacked civilians with impunity, as Pakistani society and the state became increasingly Islamized. The Hindu community, which constitutes less than 2% of the population (compared to 15% at the time of Partition), and other minorities were subjected to constitutional and legal discrimination, systematic violence, bonded labor and economic exploitation, and social prejudice. Large numbers of Hindus continued to seek refuge in India to escape religious persecution in Pakistan.